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Clear cell acanthoma
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed Dermatology Online Journal

Clear cell acanthoma

Contributors: Susan Burgin MD, Alexis Perkins MD, Belinda Tan MD, PhD, Sarah Hocker DO, Nikki Levin MD

Synopsis

Clear cell acanthoma, also known as pale cell acanthoma, is a benign epidermal tumor presenting as an erythematous papule or nodule with peripheral wafer-like scale, usually found on the leg.

Pathogenesis is unknown, but some have proposed that it is a variant of a seborrheic keratosis, while others favor a reactive inflammatory dermatosis.

Clear cell acanthoma occurs equally in both sexes and has a peak incidence in the 50- to 70-year age range.

Lesions tend to develop over the course of several years, but rarely an eruptive form may occur.

Codes

ICD10CM:
D23.70 – Other benign neoplasm of skin of unspecified lower limb, including hip

SNOMEDCT:
254670002 – Clear cell acanthoma

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Last Reviewed:02/05/2018
Last Updated:02/06/2018
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Clear cell acanthoma
A medical illustration showing key findings of Clear cell acanthoma : Leg, Red color, Scaly papule, Smooth papule
Clinical image of Clear cell acanthoma - imageId=84671. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A close-up of a bright red, flat-topped, scaly papule.'
A close-up of a bright red, flat-topped, scaly papule.
Copyright © 2026 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.